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Whether you’re sailing the Mediterranean, indulging in some R&R in the Maldives or simply taking a stroll around Holland Park, no sun worshipper worth their salt should be seen without a stylish hat to avoid sun damage and score some serious style points. While sunglasses and potent sun creams (SPF50 is de rigueur these days) are certainly non-negotiables in your summer routine, the best sun hats go a long way in shielding your skin, eyes and scalp from the damaging effects of UVA and UVB rays.
But let’s pause for a moment to clarify: if the word ‘hat’ tends to conjure images of over-the-top designs for special occasions, such as weddings or the races, these are not those. For SS26, hats are truly enjoying their moment in the sun (pardon the pun), from oversized raffia designs to crocheted bucket hats (there’s a summer hat to suit every style). Whether you’re optimistically waiting for sun-drenched days in the UK or have a summer holiday planned, read on for our pick of the best sun hats to buy now and wear for years to come.
Zimmermann striped raffia hat
Australian brand Zimmermann knows a thing or two about sun and style. Take this raffia bucket hat, for example. A chic woven design in vibrant multicoloured stripes, it will instantly transport you to the buzz and beauty of Bondi Beach.
Chloé Raffia hat
You don’t have to be holidaying dans la plage in the south of France to wear Chloé ‘s wide brim sun hat, but we think it would make for a great backdrop. Woven from raffia in a goes-with-everything natural beige shade, wear it with a breezy sundress and beachy waves for effortless elegance.
Gucci Beverlie straw hat
Artfully woven into a wide-brim silhouette from natural straw and finished with a floral silk scarf, Gucci’s sun hat is as elegant as they come. Feminine, summery and perfect for providing both coverage and style, wear yours with a sleek blowout and statement sunglasses.
Boutique Boniat Luxe raffia cowboy hat
If you’ve caught cowboy fashion fever this season, bring a Western edge to your summer looks with Boutique Bonita’s raffia cowboy hat. A minimalist design, top off your outfit with some Californian cool, carefree beach vibes wherever you go.
Alémais Margo sunhat
A masterclass in dopamine dressing, Alémais offers a bright slouchy hat emblazoned with florals and stripes in blue and green tones. Wear with a monochrome outfit to add a pop of colour or go all-out in the matching shirt.
Valentino Chevron 24 straw sun hat
Not one for in-your-face prints? Add a subtle infusion of colour with Valentino’s wide-brimmed straw hat adorned with a ladylike silk scarf. This is the best friend your summer dress collection has been crying out for.
Jacquemus Le Bob Artichaut bucket hat
Jacquemus’ bucket hat features a relaxed frayed trim and a perennially fashionable black hue. An effortless style, that also gains practical points for its toggle fastening, it will fit right in from the beaches of Cannes and Cornwall to the Soho House pool.
Roger Vivier Très Vivier straw boater
Summer weddings and garden parties on the horizon? Invest in a smart boater. This Roger Vivier hat – woven from a light-hued straw with a pretty blue grosgrain ribbon and embellished with the brand’s elegant crystal buckle – will make for the perfect finishing touch to formal outfits.
Burberry Check denim Bucket Hat
For the ultimate cool-girl bucket hat, look to Burberry. This classic design in the label’s signature house check is made from lightweight denim and complete with the archival Knight stamp motif. It’s sure to be a summer staple for everything from weekend brunches to music festivals.
Eugenia Kim Courtney fedora
Eugenia Kim’s Courtney hat is a great feminine option. The straw-effect fedora is crafted from hemp and paper with a ruched satin band to create an elegant style to wear from picnics in the park to summer weddings. Pair with big shades for instant glamour.
Loewe + Paula's Ibiza crocheted raffia bucket hat
Transport yourself to the vibrant sun-drenched Balearic Islands with this bucket hat crocheted from colourful summer-hued raffia. A classic silhouette, it exemplifies the playful design language that has made Loewe and Paula’s Ibiza’s ongoing collaboration a cult favourite.
Gigi Burris Maris sunhat
With an array of bikinis, kaftans and wedge heels, you’ve got the basics of a chic summer holiday wardrobe a la Côte d’Azur covered. The finishing touch? This wide brimmed sculptural hat, handcrafted in New York using lightweight sinamay and sealed with a contrasting black rim – perfectly elegant on the beach, by the bar or aboard your yacht.
Rails Crete straw bucket hat
A classic design with a twist, Rails’ Crete bucket hat takes the traditional silhouette and adds shell detailing around the rim for a playful, seaside-inspired edge. Crafted from a breathable tanned rattan, wear on your Greek island retreat or UK staycation and you’ll be sure to turn heads.
Read more: Why a camp collar shirt is the epitome of casual summer style
